From Wall Street to 9/11 Legacy — Why He Walked Away From Everything

Full transcript

24,958 words · 42:26 runtime

00:00 Introduction — Memory as Obligation

0:04 September 11th, 2001 changed everything. September 11th, 2001 changed everything. But here's what most people don't talk But here's what most people don't talk But here's what most people don't talk about. [music] The choice to ensure about. [music] The choice to ensure about. [music] The choice to ensure those lessons don't get lost with time. those lessons don't get lost with time. those lessons don't get lost with time. Chris Meek didn't just remember 9/11. He Chris Meek didn't just remember 9/11. He Chris Meek didn't just remember 9/11. He built something to make sure the next built something to make sure the next built something to make sure the next generation never [music] forgets. The

0:15 generation never [music] forgets. The generation never [music] forgets. The 9/11 Legacy Foundation isn't a museum. 9/11 Legacy Foundation isn't a museum. 9/11 Legacy Foundation isn't a museum. It's not a memorial. It's about agency. It's not a memorial. It's about agency. It's not a memorial. It's about agency. Teaching young people that when the Teaching young people that when the Teaching young people that when the moment comes, you have the power to step moment comes, you have the power to step moment comes, you have the power to step forward and act. Before this foundation, forward and act. Before this foundation, forward and act. Before this foundation, Chris spent 16 years on Wall Street as

0:30 Chris spent 16 years on Wall Street as Chris spent 16 years on Wall Street as an equity derivatives trader. He earned an equity derivatives trader. He earned an equity derivatives trader. He earned his doctorate, wrote best-selling books, his doctorate, wrote best-selling books, his doctorate, wrote best-selling books, became chief marketing officer at Tuttle became chief marketing officer at Tuttle became chief marketing officer at Tuttle Capital Management, even ran for Capital Management, even ran for Capital Management, even ran for Congress. But when you strip away all Congress. But when you strip away all Congress. But when you strip away all the titles and ask him what's really

0:42 the titles and ask him what's really the titles and ask him what's really true, husband, father, patriot, and now true, husband, father, patriot, and now true, husband, father, patriot, and now founder of an organization ensuring that founder of an organization ensuring that founder of an organization ensuring that memory, responsibility, and lessons of memory, responsibility, and lessons of memory, responsibility, and lessons of 9/11 aren't lost to time. 9/11 aren't lost to time. 9/11 aren't lost to time. Welcome to Boys for Valor. Today's guest isn't defined by a single Today's guest isn't defined by a single lane, and that is exactly the point. lane, and that is exactly the point.

1:11 lane, and that is exactly the point. Chris Meek has spent nearly 16 years Chris Meek has spent nearly 16 years Chris Meek has spent nearly 16 years inside Wall Street as an equity inside Wall Street as an equity inside Wall Street as an equity derivatives trader, operated at the derivatives trader, operated at the derivatives trader, operated at the highest levels of asset management, and highest levels of asset management, and highest levels of asset management, and helped shape how global institutions helped shape how global institutions helped shape how global institutions think about markets and risk. He's led think about markets and risk. He's led

1:25 think about markets and risk. He's led at firms like State Street and S&P at firms like State Street and S&P at firms like State Street and S&P Global and today serves as chief Global and today serves as chief Global and today serves as chief marketing officer at Tuttle Capital marketing officer at Tuttle Capital marketing officer at Tuttle Capital Management, a firm known for challenging Management, a firm known for challenging Management, a firm known for challenging traditional financial narratives. traditional financial narratives. traditional financial narratives. But that is only part of the story. But that is only part of the story.

1:40 But that is only part of the story. Chris also stepped into the public Chris also stepped into the public Chris also stepped into the public arena. Running for Congress when staying arena. Running for Congress when staying arena. Running for Congress when staying private would have been easier. During a private would have been easier. During a private would have been easier. During a non-compete, instead of waiting, he went non-compete, instead of waiting, he went non-compete, instead of waiting, he went back to school and earned his doctorate. back to school and earned his doctorate. back to school and earned his doctorate. not to collect another credential, but

1:53 not to collect another credential, but not to collect another credential, but to reframe how he thought about to reframe how he thought about to reframe how he thought about leadership and impact. He's a leadership and impact. He's a leadership and impact. He's a storyteller and a listener, hosting Next storyteller and a listener, hosting Next storyteller and a listener, hosting Next Steps Forward, and more recently, a Steps Forward, and more recently, a Steps Forward, and more recently, a meaning-driven founder, launching the meaning-driven founder, launching the meaning-driven founder, launching the 911 Legacy Foundation to ensure memory, 911 Legacy Foundation to ensure memory, 911 Legacy Foundation to ensure memory, responsibility, and lessons aren't lost responsibility, and lessons aren't lost responsibility, and lessons aren't lost with time. The common thread here isn't

2:13 with time. The common thread here isn't with time. The common thread here isn't finance, it's agency. the choice to step finance, it's agency. the choice to step finance, it's agency. the choice to step forward again and again when staying forward again and again when staying forward again and again when staying safe would have been simpler. That's why safe would have been simpler. That's why safe would have been simpler. That's why he belongs on today's show, Voice for he belongs on today's show, Voice for he belongs on today's show, Voice for Valor. Chris, welcome to the show. Valor. Chris, welcome to the show. Valor. Chris, welcome to the show. >> It's probably great to be here and happy

2:32 >> It's probably great to be here and happy >> It's probably great to be here and happy new year, sir. new year, sir. new year, sir. >> Happy New Year to you as well. And >> Happy New Year to you as well. And >> Happy New Year to you as well. And before we start, I just wanted to say as before we start, I just wanted to say as before we start, I just wanted to say as I was looking over your resume, my I was looking over your resume, my I was looking over your resume, my goodness, you know, an author and all goodness, you know, an author and all goodness, you know, an author and all these things you have done, I wanted to

2:47 these things you have done, I wanted to these things you have done, I wanted to start off with, hey, if someone stripped start off with, hey, if someone stripped start off with, hey, if someone stripped away your titles, Goldman, S&P, Tuttle, away your titles, Goldman, S&P, Tuttle, away your titles, Goldman, S&P, Tuttle, doctor, doctor, doctor, what would still be true about you? what would still be true about you? what would still be true about you? I think three simple answers to that are I think three simple answers to that are I think three simple answers to that are husband, father, and patriot. husband, father, and patriot. husband, father, and patriot. it it's pretty black and white. It's the

3:07 it it's pretty black and white. It's the it it's pretty black and white. It's the DNA and it's it's who you are and so you DNA and it's it's who you are and so you DNA and it's it's who you are and so you you rise to those occasions in terms of you rise to those occasions in terms of you rise to those occasions in terms of what you're made of and what you're what you're made of and what you're what you're made of and what you're built of and you know blessed to have a built of and you know blessed to have a built of and you know blessed to have a terrific bride, excuse me. We've got terrific bride, excuse me. We've got terrific bride, excuse me. We've got three beautiful children and you know I

3:18 three beautiful children and you know I three beautiful children and you know I guess sort of became a patriot without guess sort of became a patriot without guess sort of became a patriot without really knowing it and it just sort of really knowing it and it just sort of really knowing it and it just sort of kind of evolved over the last you know kind of evolved over the last you know kind of evolved over the last you know almost 20 years as you mentioned. almost 20 years as you mentioned. almost 20 years as you mentioned. >> So was there a moment early in your >> So was there a moment early in your >> So was there a moment early in your career when you realized finance would

3:29 career when you realized finance would career when you realized finance would give you power but not necessarily give you power but not necessarily give you power but not necessarily meaning? meaning? meaning? Yeah, that's a great question. So, you Yeah, that's a great question. So, you Yeah, that's a great question. So, you know, originally went to school to be an know, originally went to school to be an know, originally went to school to be an aerospace engineer and, you know, grew aerospace engineer and, you know, grew aerospace engineer and, you know, grew up learning how to sailboat racing up learning how to sailboat racing up learning how to sailboat racing sailboats in upstate New York and fell sailboats in upstate New York and fell sailboats in upstate New York and fell in love with the America's Cup. It's, in love with the America's Cup. It's,

3:45 in love with the America's Cup. It's, you know, the biggest thing. It's like you know, the biggest thing. It's like you know, the biggest thing. It's like the Super Bowl for for sailboats and the Super Bowl for for sailboats and the Super Bowl for for sailboats and thought, you know, I want to design the thought, you know, I want to design the thought, you know, I want to design the next America's Cup winning boat. And next America's Cup winning boat. And next America's Cup winning boat. And went to college and realized not really went to college and realized not really went to college and realized not really cut out to be an aerospace engineer. So, cut out to be an aerospace engineer. So,

3:58 cut out to be an aerospace engineer. So, kind of thought where where's my real kind of thought where where's my real kind of thought where where's my real passion? where my interests and became a passion? where my interests and became a passion? where my interests and became a dual major in both economics and dual major in both economics and dual major in both economics and political science. So not real deep political science. So not real deep political science. So not real deep finance but more on the policy side and finance but more on the policy side and finance but more on the policy side and sort of the macro thinking of it. Um but sort of the macro thinking of it. Um but

4:10 sort of the macro thinking of it. Um but then as I went to to graduate college I then as I went to to graduate college I then as I went to to graduate college I thought well you know am I going to thought well you know am I going to thought well you know am I going to Washington or Wall Street and you know Washington or Wall Street and you know Washington or Wall Street and you know had master student loans and so the had master student loans and so the had master student loans and so the answer was quite simple. I had to pay answer was quite simple. I had to pay answer was quite simple. I had to pay back those loans and so you know found back those loans and so you know found

4:20 back those loans and so you know found my calling to Wall Street. So, you know, my calling to Wall Street. So, you know, my calling to Wall Street. So, you know, you said to pay back those loans. You you said to pay back those loans. You you said to pay back those loans. You spent nearly 16 years trading spent nearly 16 years trading spent nearly 16 years trading derivatives, high stakes, high pressure. derivatives, high stakes, high pressure. derivatives, high stakes, high pressure. What did that environment teach you What did that environment teach you What did that environment teach you about human behavior under stress? about human behavior under stress?

4:35 about human behavior under stress? Don't ever let them see you sweat. You Don't ever let them see you sweat. You Don't ever let them see you sweat. You know, it's just like the old commercial know, it's just like the old commercial know, it's just like the old commercial says. You know, there were a lot of says. You know, there were a lot of says. You know, there were a lot of situations like that. You know, there's situations like that. You know, there's situations like that. You know, there's about three or four specific ones I about three or four specific ones I about three or four specific ones I remember during different we'll call remember during different we'll call

4:44 remember during different we'll call them financial events. Certainly the them financial events. Certainly the them financial events. Certainly the financial crisis, the attacks of 911, a financial crisis, the attacks of 911, a financial crisis, the attacks of 911, a few other, you know, global scenarios few other, you know, global scenarios few other, you know, global scenarios that came into play. And the products that came into play. And the products that came into play. And the products that I traded basically traded 24 hours that I traded basically traded 24 hours that I traded basically traded 24 hours a day, almost about 20 hours really. And a day, almost about 20 hours really. And

4:57 a day, almost about 20 hours really. And so you would every now and get again get so you would every now and get again get so you would every now and get again get that random phone call from Tokyo or

05:00 16 Years on Wall Street — Building the Wrong Thing

5:00 that random phone call from Tokyo or that random phone call from Tokyo or Hong Kong overnight where something was Hong Kong overnight where something was Hong Kong overnight where something was happening and you had to to step in uh happening and you had to to step in uh happening and you had to to step in uh you know, I live in Connecticut and so you know, I live in Connecticut and so you know, I live in Connecticut and so was up at 4:00 every day on the 5:00 was up at 4:00 every day on the 5:00 was up at 4:00 every day on the 5:00 train at my desk at 6:15 and started train at my desk at 6:15 and started train at my desk at 6:15 and started trading at 7:00. And so uh you just sort

5:12 trading at 7:00. And so uh you just sort trading at 7:00. And so uh you just sort of got into that routine. You knew what of got into that routine. You knew what of got into that routine. You knew what you had to do. you you'd read and see you had to do. you you'd read and see you had to do. you you'd read and see what was happening in the markets what was happening in the markets what was happening in the markets overnight. You look and see what sort of overnight. You look and see what sort of overnight. You look and see what sort of policy was going to imple affect the policy was going to imple affect the policy was going to imple affect the markets that day, whether it was US or

5:20 markets that day, whether it was US or markets that day, whether it was US or something in Asia or Europe. And so, you something in Asia or Europe. And so, you something in Asia or Europe. And so, you know, looking back at my academic know, looking back at my academic know, looking back at my academic beginnings in my undergraduate career, beginnings in my undergraduate career, beginnings in my undergraduate career, you know, having that dual major in you know, having that dual major in you know, having that dual major in economics and political science really economics and political science really economics and political science really enabled me, I think, to to survive and

5:32 enabled me, I think, to to survive and enabled me, I think, to to survive and thrive in that trading environment thrive in that trading environment thrive in that trading environment because having that dual major allowed because having that dual major allowed because having that dual major allowed me to understand what was happening on me to understand what was happening on me to understand what was happening on the front page of the Wall Street the front page of the Wall Street the front page of the Wall Street Journal as well as the front page of the Journal as well as the front page of the Journal as well as the front page of the Washington Post, you know, and post

5:42 Washington Post, you know, and post Washington Post, you know, and post financial crisis, you know, and today financial crisis, you know, and today financial crisis, you know, and today more than ever, Wall Street and K Street more than ever, Wall Street and K Street more than ever, Wall Street and K Street in Washington intersect, you know, more in Washington intersect, you know, more in Washington intersect, you know, more than they've ever done before. And so than they've ever done before. And so than they've ever done before. And so having that policy understanding as well having that policy understanding as well having that policy understanding as well as the real world economic understanding

5:53 as the real world economic understanding as the real world economic understanding has I think has led me to the places has I think has led me to the places has I think has led me to the places I've been in my career. I've been in my career. I've been in my career. Some of our not guests but listeners Some of our not guests but listeners Some of our not guests but listeners most of them are veterans but a lot of most of them are veterans but a lot of most of them are veterans but a lot of them are not you know politically savvy them are not you know politically savvy them are not you know politically savvy or you know financially they don't or you know financially they don't

6:08 or you know financially they don't necessarily have that background. Can necessarily have that background. Can necessarily have that background. Can you explain what derivatives actually you explain what derivatives actually you explain what derivatives actually are? are? are? >> Sure. Derivatives it's a fancy word. >> Sure. Derivatives it's a fancy word. >> Sure. Derivatives it's a fancy word. It's all it is. And and a derivative is It's all it is. And and a derivative is It's all it is. And and a derivative is an investment that is derived from an investment that is derived from an investment that is derived from something else. And so what I mean by

6:21 something else. And so what I mean by something else. And so what I mean by that is I trade exchange traded funds. I that is I trade exchange traded funds. I that is I trade exchange traded funds. I used to excuse me. And so an exchange used to excuse me. And so an exchange used to excuse me. And so an exchange traded fund trades like a stock. So it traded fund trades like a stock. So it traded fund trades like a stock. So it trades like Apple or Google or Tesla. Um trades like Apple or Google or Tesla. Um trades like Apple or Google or Tesla. Um but it's a security that holds a bunch but it's a security that holds a bunch but it's a security that holds a bunch of other securities within it. So it's

6:34 of other securities within it. So it's of other securities within it. So it's one specific investment, but it'll have one specific investment, but it'll have one specific investment, but it'll have 15 other securities within it. So it's 15 other securities within it. So it's 15 other securities within it. So it's like a wrapper, if you will. And so like a wrapper, if you will. And so like a wrapper, if you will. And so you'll have a fraction of a share of you'll have a fraction of a share of you'll have a fraction of a share of each one of these other companies. And each one of these other companies. And each one of these other companies. And so you can have an exchange trade fund

6:46 so you can have an exchange trade fund so you can have an exchange trade fund that could have a little bit of Apple, a that could have a little bit of Apple, a that could have a little bit of Apple, a little bit of Amazon, a little bit of little bit of Amazon, a little bit of little bit of Amazon, a little bit of General Motors, a little bit of Exxon General Motors, a little bit of Exxon General Motors, a little bit of Exxon Mobile, whatever it may be. And so Mobile, whatever it may be. And so Mobile, whatever it may be. And so that's where a derivative. It's just a that's where a derivative. It's just a that's where a derivative. It's just a product that's derived of something

6:56 product that's derived of something product that's derived of something else. else. else. >> Okay. So, you know, we've we've >> Okay. So, you know, we've we've >> Okay. So, you know, we've we've obviously had multiple business cycle obviously had multiple business cycle obviously had multiple business cycle financial crises throughout our financial crises throughout our financial crises throughout our throughout our history in the in the US, throughout our history in the in the US, throughout our history in the in the US, but what's something Wall Street gets but what's something Wall Street gets but what's something Wall Street gets wrong about risk? Not financial risk,

7:10 wrong about risk? Not financial risk, wrong about risk? Not financial risk, but human risk? but human risk? but human risk? It's a great question and I wish you'd It's a great question and I wish you'd It's a great question and I wish you'd asked me that before so I could prep a asked me that before so I could prep a asked me that before so I could prep a little bit. little bit. little bit. >> You know, it's >> You know, it's >> You know, it's >> I don't like guys to prep. I just I just >> I don't like guys to prep. I just I just >> I don't like guys to prep. I just I just want I just want to keep it real. want I just want to keep it real. want I just want to keep it real. >> No, I hear that human nature is is fear. >> No, I hear that human nature is is fear. >> No, I hear that human nature is is fear. You know, everyone's everyone works hard

7:27 You know, everyone's everyone works hard You know, everyone's everyone works hard for their money and everyone's afraid of for their money and everyone's afraid of for their money and everyone's afraid of losing their money. losing their money. losing their money. >> And so most people don't invest. They'll >> And so most people don't invest. They'll >> And so most people don't invest. They'll stick under their mattress. They'll keep stick under their mattress. They'll keep stick under their mattress. They'll keep it in the savings account. And also what it in the savings account. And also what it in the savings account. And also what Wall Street gets wrong is that I forget

7:39 Wall Street gets wrong is that I forget Wall Street gets wrong is that I forget the exact number, but it's over 95% of the exact number, but it's over 95% of the exact number, but it's over 95% of the United States population has less the United States population has less the United States population has less than one paycheck in the bank. Scary. than one paycheck in the bank. Scary. than one paycheck in the bank. Scary. And it's beyond scary. So you think And it's beyond scary. So you think And it's beyond scary. So you think about the COVID crisis. You know, people about the COVID crisis. You know, people about the COVID crisis. You know, people were out of work, people were furoughed,

7:53 were out of work, people were furoughed, were out of work, people were furoughed, people were laid off. And so, you know, people were laid off. And so, you know, people were laid off. And so, you know, the government stepped in. You had, you the government stepped in. You had, you the government stepped in. You had, you know, a certain amount of pay from that. know, a certain amount of pay from that. know, a certain amount of pay from that. But still, you know, how do people But still, you know, how do people But still, you know, how do people survive? You know, Wall Street survives survive? You know, Wall Street survives survive? You know, Wall Street survives because they make money off of other

8:03 because they make money off of other because they make money off of other people. That's their job. And what they people. That's their job. And what they people. That's their job. And what they get wrong is get wrong is get wrong is they think they know what's best for they think they know what's best for they think they know what's best for individuals individuals individuals and they tell people what's best for and they tell people what's best for and they tell people what's best for individuals. They don't listen. You individuals. They don't listen. You individuals. They don't listen. You know, there's an old saying that we've know, there's an old saying that we've know, there's an old saying that we've heard a lot of people much wiser than heard a lot of people much wiser than heard a lot of people much wiser than me, you know, say that God gave you, you

8:21 me, you know, say that God gave you, you me, you know, say that God gave you, you know, two ears and one mouth and so keep know, two ears and one mouth and so keep know, two ears and one mouth and so keep your mouth shut and your ears open and your mouth shut and your ears open and your mouth shut and your ears open and listen. listen. listen. So when you say that, boy, it it it So when you say that, boy, it it it So when you say that, boy, it it it brings up so many things. And not to go brings up so many things. And not to go brings up so many things. And not to go down this, you know, this political down this, you know, this political down this, you know, this political rabbit hole, but you know, right now

8:34 rabbit hole, but you know, right now rabbit hole, but you know, right now with the affordable or not the with the affordable or not the with the affordable or not the Affordable Care Act, but you know, Affordable Care Act, but you know, Affordable Care Act, but you know, Obamacare, whatever you want to call it, Obamacare, whatever you want to call it, Obamacare, whatever you want to call it, with these premiums going up, and I'm with these premiums going up, and I'm with these premiums going up, and I'm not here to say who's right or wrong, not here to say who's right or wrong, not here to say who's right or wrong, but these people that are living, you

8:46 but these people that are living, you but these people that are living, you know, possibly a savings of one know, possibly a savings of one know, possibly a savings of one paycheck, that's that's a big bump in paycheck, that's that's a big bump in paycheck, that's that's a big bump in their in their human risk. their in their human risk. their in their human risk. >> It's a huge bump. And it's it's >> It's a huge bump. And it's it's >> It's a huge bump. And it's it's something that people don't plan for. Uh something that people don't plan for. Uh something that people don't plan for. Uh because you're not aware of it. You because you're not aware of it. You

9:01 because you're not aware of it. You don't think about it. And then all of a don't think about it. And then all of a don't think about it. And then all of a sudden, boom, there it is. My daughter, sudden, boom, there it is. My daughter, sudden, boom, there it is. My daughter, who's 22 years old, and she just who's 22 years old, and she just who's 22 years old, and she just graduated from college last year, and graduated from college last year, and graduated from college last year, and she's in her first job. Just last night, she's in her first job. Just last night, she's in her first job. Just last night, she came home and said to me how her car she came home and said to me how her car she came home and said to me how her car wash went from $25 to $35. wash went from $25 to $35. wash went from $25 to $35. So, she's learning inflation real time

9:18 So, she's learning inflation real time So, she's learning inflation real time just from a simple car wash. And that's, just from a simple car wash. And that's, just from a simple car wash. And that's, you know, 3540% increase in one shot. you know, 3540% increase in one shot. you know, 3540% increase in one shot. So, it's only $10. But when you do that So, it's only $10. But when you do that So, it's only $10. But when you do that percentage-wise and when it's, you know, percentage-wise and when it's, you know, percentage-wise and when it's, you know, only $10, $10 is meaningful to folks only $10, $10 is meaningful to folks only $10, $10 is meaningful to folks when it could be, you know, that is,

9:33 when it could be, you know, that is, when it could be, you know, that is, you know, a pound of deli meat or a you know, a pound of deli meat or a you know, a pound of deli meat or a dozen eggs and a half a gallon of milk. dozen eggs and a half a gallon of milk. dozen eggs and a half a gallon of milk. I mean, it's food inflation itself is I mean, it's food inflation itself is I mean, it's food inflation itself is through the roof. But then when you lay through the roof. But then when you lay through the roof. But then when you lay things on top of it like, you know, as things on top of it like, you know, as things on top of it like, you know, as you mentioned, health insurance or the

9:45 you mentioned, health insurance or the you mentioned, health insurance or the car wash or whatever it may be, all of car wash or whatever it may be, all of car wash or whatever it may be, all of these things add up and wages are not these things add up and wages are not these things add up and wages are not keeping up with the rest of consumer keeping up with the rest of consumer keeping up with the rest of consumer inflation. And that's the the real inflation. And that's the the real inflation. And that's the the real driver here. driver here. driver here. >> So excited to have this conversation >> So excited to have this conversation

9:57 >> So excited to have this conversation with you. Last week I took my two boys with you. Last week I took my two boys with you. Last week I took my two boys DC area Five Guys Burgers. It's just DC area Five Guys Burgers. It's just DC area Five Guys Burgers. It's just kind of a It's a It's a very popular kind of a It's a It's a very popular kind of a It's a It's a very popular >> I've got one two miles down the house >> I've got one two miles down the house >> I've got one two miles down the house from me. from me. from me. >> There you go. So we're at Five Guys and >> There you go. So we're at Five Guys and >> There you go. So we're at Five Guys and I'm trying to teach my kids, you know,

10:12 I'm trying to teach my kids, you know, I'm trying to teach my kids, you know, some financial education. So we go in some financial education. So we go in some financial education. So we go in there and three burgers and we shared there and three burgers and we shared there and three burgers and we shared fries and they said, "Dad, can we get a fries and they said, "Dad, can we get a fries and they said, "Dad, can we get a Coke?" I was like, "Guys, we live two Coke?" I was like, "Guys, we live two Coke?" I was like, "Guys, we live two miles from the from the house. you can miles from the from the house. you can miles from the from the house. you can drink a Coke when you get home. But then

10:24 drink a Coke when you get home. But then drink a Coke when you get home. But then I showed him the bill. Three burgers and I showed him the bill. Three burgers and I showed him the bill. Three burgers and fries was $52, right? And so I keep fries was $52, right? And so I keep fries was $52, right? And so I keep telling him, "Okay, let's talk about telling him, "Okay, let's talk about telling him, "Okay, let's talk about minimum wage. Let's talk about taxes. So minimum wage. Let's talk about taxes. So minimum wage. Let's talk about taxes. So how much did that $52, you know, burgers how much did that $52, you know, burgers how much did that $52, you know, burgers really cost?" I was like, "Hey, you

10:38 really cost?" I was like, "Hey, you really cost?" I was like, "Hey, you know, I'm in this certain tax bracket." know, I'm in this certain tax bracket." know, I'm in this certain tax bracket." And so in reality, that's almost a $100 And so in reality, that's almost a $100 And so in reality, that's almost a $100 meal when you when you calculate all meal when you when you calculate all meal when you when you calculate all those differences. So yeah, I mean this those differences. So yeah, I mean this those differences. So yeah, I mean this food inflation, it is food inflation, it is food inflation, it is >> it's it's the real deal. So >> it's it's the real deal. So

10:52 >> it's it's the real deal. So >> to your point, you went out for burgers >> to your point, you went out for burgers >> to your point, you went out for burgers and it's costing you 50 bucks. and it's costing you 50 bucks. and it's costing you 50 bucks. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It it's just burgers. Yeah. >> It it's just burgers. Yeah. >> It it's just burgers. Yeah. >> Yeah, it is. And it's unfortunate. >> Yeah, it is. And it's unfortunate. >> Yeah, it is. And it's unfortunate. >> Yeah. I mean, there's no, you know, >> Yeah. I mean, there's no, you know, >> Yeah. I mean, there's no, you know, you're not going to a restaurant,

11:03 you're not going to a restaurant, you're not going to a restaurant, sitting down, having a server. It you're sitting down, having a server. It you're sitting down, having a server. It you're just walking in having burgers with your just walking in having burgers with your just walking in having burgers with your kids, and it's $52. I can't even imagine kids, and it's $52. I can't even imagine kids, and it's $52. I can't even imagine what it costs in Connecticut where you what it costs in Connecticut where you what it costs in Connecticut where you live or New York City. It's probably live or New York City. It's probably live or New York City. It's probably another 25% higher. But my point being,

11:14 another 25% higher. But my point being, another 25% higher. But my point being, my goodness, it's it's expensive. your my goodness, it's it's expensive. your my goodness, it's it's expensive. your 22-year-old daughter is really getting a 22-year-old daughter is really getting a 22-year-old daughter is really getting a lesson in in what inflation is doing to lesson in in what inflation is doing to lesson in in what inflation is doing to us. us. us. >> So, y >> So, y >> So, y >> where was that moment when you knew you >> where was that moment when you knew you >> where was that moment when you knew you couldn't stay there forever? You okay,

11:26 couldn't stay there forever? You okay, couldn't stay there forever? You okay, the derivatives, I got this. When when the derivatives, I got this. When when the derivatives, I got this. When when was that moment when you said it's time was that moment when you said it's time was that moment when you said it's time to do something different? to do something different? to do something different? >> You know, so I'll I'll take a backstory >> You know, so I'll I'll take a backstory >> You know, so I'll I'll take a backstory for you first. So, excuse me. Sorry, I'm for you first. So, excuse me. Sorry, I'm for you first. So, excuse me. Sorry, I'm fighting the cold here. I'm an only

11:37 fighting the cold here. I'm an only fighting the cold here. I'm an only child raised by a single mom and my child raised by a single mom and my child raised by a single mom and my mother was a deaf education teacher in a mother was a deaf education teacher in a mother was a deaf education teacher in a small town in upstate New York. And you small town in upstate New York. And you small town in upstate New York. And you know, you think back 40 years ago, know, you think back 40 years ago, know, you think back 40 years ago, special education, you know, was a special education, you know, was a special education, you know, was a different animal back then. They didn't,

11:49 different animal back then. They didn't, different animal back then. They didn't, you know, children, the teachers and the you know, children, the teachers and the you know, children, the teachers and the parents didn't have the resources parents didn't have the resources parents didn't have the resources available to them that they have today. available to them that they have today. available to them that they have today. And I grew up with twin beds. And I it And I grew up with twin beds. And I it And I grew up with twin beds. And I it took me a long time to figure out why I took me a long time to figure out why I took me a long time to figure out why I had twin beds. And because they would

12:00 9/11 — The Day That Changed the Calculus

12:01 had twin beds. And because they would had twin beds. And because they would lump all the kids with special needs lump all the kids with special needs lump all the kids with special needs into mainstreaming classrooms, my mother into mainstreaming classrooms, my mother into mainstreaming classrooms, my mother would have kids throughout the diff would have kids throughout the diff would have kids throughout the diff different spectrums and different ages different spectrums and different ages different spectrums and different ages from six to age 19, 20 years old. And from six to age 19, 20 years old. And from six to age 19, 20 years old. And they would on any given day a student

12:14 they would on any given day a student they would on any given day a student would come in and would be suffering would come in and would be suffering would come in and would be suffering from mental abuse, physical abuse, from mental abuse, physical abuse, from mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse. And she would take that sexual abuse. And she would take that sexual abuse. And she would take that student and say, "You know what? You student and say, "You know what? You student and say, "You know what? You know, you're going to come home with us. know, you're going to come home with us. know, you're going to come home with us. We'll give you a hot meal on the warm

12:23 We'll give you a hot meal on the warm We'll give you a hot meal on the warm bed and we'll go see the superintendent. bed and we'll go see the superintendent. bed and we'll go see the superintendent. Figure it out tomorrow." Now, obviously, Figure it out tomorrow." Now, obviously, Figure it out tomorrow." Now, obviously, you can never do that in today's world. you can never do that in today's world. you can never do that in today's world. You'd get sued and and all that stuff. You'd get sued and and all that stuff. You'd get sued and and all that stuff. But, you know, I was sort of learned, But, you know, I was sort of learned, But, you know, I was sort of learned, you know, I learned very early on that

12:34 you know, I learned very early on that you know, I learned very early on that you step in when you can and not when you step in when you can and not when you step in when you can and not when you have to. And you know she always had you have to. And you know she always had you have to. And you know she always had this phrase of we might not be able to this phrase of we might not be able to this phrase of we might not be able to change the world today but we can change change the world today but we can change change the world today but we can change the world around us. And so that's the world around us. And so that's the world around us. And so that's something that really stuck with me at

12:47 something that really stuck with me at something that really stuck with me at you know probably age 10 11 12 and was you know probably age 10 11 12 and was you know probably age 10 11 12 and was maybe buried away in me and sort of maybe buried away in me and sort of maybe buried away in me and sort of forgot about it. And then fast forward forgot about it. And then fast forward forgot about it. And then fast forward 20 so years later the financial crisis 20 so years later the financial crisis 20 so years later the financial crisis hit 2008 2009 hit 2008 2009 hit 2008 2009 >> and what happened then was that banks >> and what happened then was that banks

13:01 >> and what happened then was that banks were basically giving loans to people were basically giving loans to people were basically giving loans to people that couldn't afford the mortgage. And that couldn't afford the mortgage. And that couldn't afford the mortgage. And so people started losing their homes. so people started losing their homes. so people started losing their homes. banks were foreclosing on them and I banks were foreclosing on them and I banks were foreclosing on them and I thought, well, you know, banks don't thought, well, you know, banks don't thought, well, you know, banks don't want to take these properties onto their want to take these properties onto their

13:12 want to take these properties onto their balance sheet and the homeowners don't balance sheet and the homeowners don't balance sheet and the homeowners don't want to lose their home. So, why can't want to lose their home. So, why can't want to lose their home. So, why can't we put the banks and the borrowers we put the banks and the borrowers we put the banks and the borrowers together and have them figure it out? together and have them figure it out? together and have them figure it out? Because back then, you know, 20 years Because back then, you know, 20 years Because back then, you know, 20 years ago, people still use fax machines. And ago, people still use fax machines. And

13:23 ago, people still use fax machines. And so, people were sending in their so, people were sending in their so, people were sending in their applications asking for the forbearance, applications asking for the forbearance, applications asking for the forbearance, but they were getting all stacked up and but they were getting all stacked up and but they were getting all stacked up and then the applications were getting mixed then the applications were getting mixed then the applications were getting mixed together with other applications and together with other applications and together with other applications and just kind of getting lost in the just kind of getting lost in the just kind of getting lost in the shuffle. And I simply said to a shuffle. And I simply said to a shuffle. And I simply said to a colleague of mine, I said, you know, why

13:34 colleague of mine, I said, you know, why colleague of mine, I said, you know, why can't we just put the banks and the can't we just put the banks and the can't we just put the banks and the borrowers together in a room and he borrowers together in a room and he borrowers together in a room and he said, Chris, you know, I'll bet you beer said, Chris, you know, I'll bet you beer said, Chris, you know, I'll bet you beer you can't do it. And so it was literally you can't do it. And so it was literally you can't do it. And so it was literally a simple beer bet. And so at the time, a simple beer bet. And so at the time, a simple beer bet. And so at the time, Goldman Sachs, where I was working, was

13:45 Goldman Sachs, where I was working, was Goldman Sachs, where I was working, was not viewed very favorably by the general not viewed very favorably by the general not viewed very favorably by the general public. And I thought, well, how can we public. And I thought, well, how can we public. And I thought, well, how can we do this? And so I'd reached out to a do this? And so I'd reached out to a do this? And so I'd reached out to a local community center where I live here local community center where I live here local community center where I live here in Connecticut, you know, asking if we in Connecticut, you know, asking if we in Connecticut, you know, asking if we could use their space and was trying to

13:57 could use their space and was trying to could use their space and was trying to figure out how do I reach out to these figure out how do I reach out to these figure out how do I reach out to these banks, you know, my Chris Meek from banks, you know, my Chris Meek from banks, you know, my Chris Meek from Goldman Sachs, my Chris M from Goldman Sachs, my Chris M from Goldman Sachs, my Chris M from Connecticut, what's it going to be? And Connecticut, what's it going to be? And Connecticut, what's it going to be? And so I decided to be Chris M from Goldman so I decided to be Chris M from Goldman so I decided to be Chris M from Goldman Sachs to show my, you know, financial

14:07 Sachs to show my, you know, financial Sachs to show my, you know, financial experience. And long story short, it was experience. And long story short, it was experience. And long story short, it was a Saturday morning in April, uh, here in a Saturday morning in April, uh, here in a Saturday morning in April, uh, here in Connecticut where we had half a dozen Connecticut where we had half a dozen Connecticut where we had half a dozen banks. There were some regional couple banks. There were some regional couple banks. There were some regional couple of the major banks like City Bank, Bank of the major banks like City Bank, Bank of the major banks like City Bank, Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase all

14:20 of America and JP Morgan Chase all of America and JP Morgan Chase all showed up to the community center and 33 showed up to the community center and 33 showed up to the community center and 33 people walked out that day avoiding people walked out that day avoiding people walked out that day avoiding foreclosure. foreclosure. foreclosure. And I thought, okay, mission And I thought, okay, mission And I thought, okay, mission accomplished. My buddy Duffy is his last accomplished. My buddy Duffy is his last accomplished. My buddy Duffy is his last name. He owes me a beer and we move on. name. He owes me a beer and we move on. name. He owes me a beer and we move on. And so it had to be a slow news day that

14:36 And so it had to be a slow news day that And so it had to be a slow news day that day in Stanford, Connecticut because the day in Stanford, Connecticut because the day in Stanford, Connecticut because the Sunday newspaper, the lead article above Sunday newspaper, the lead article above Sunday newspaper, the lead article above the fold was 33 homeowners avoid the fold was 33 homeowners avoid the fold was 33 homeowners avoid foreclosure and save their home. So on foreclosure and save their home. So on foreclosure and save their home. So on Monday, the reporter who covered the Monday, the reporter who covered the Monday, the reporter who covered the event, she called in. She said, "Chris,

14:50 event, she called in. She said, "Chris, event, she called in. She said, "Chris, you know, when's your next event?" And I you know, when's your next event?" And I you know, when's your next event?" And I said, "Elizabeth, what the hell are you said, "Elizabeth, what the hell are you said, "Elizabeth, what the hell are you talking about? It was a oneshot deal talking about? It was a oneshot deal talking about? It was a oneshot deal just to prove Duffy I could I could do just to prove Duffy I could I could do just to prove Duffy I could I could do it and and win the beer from him." And it and and win the beer from him." And it and and win the beer from him." And she said, "Well, I've received over 100

14:59 she said, "Well, I've received over 100 she said, "Well, I've received over 100 phone calls." phone calls." phone calls." And so that's when I saw the real need And so that's when I saw the real need And so that's when I saw the real need for this. So long story longer, created for this. So long story longer, created for this. So long story longer, created my first nonprofit called Start Now. my first nonprofit called Start Now. my first nonprofit called Start Now. Over the course of the next uh year, we Over the course of the next uh year, we Over the course of the next uh year, we had 11 events through the state of had 11 events through the state of had 11 events through the state of Connecticut where over 250 families

15:13 Connecticut where over 250 families Connecticut where over 250 families avoided foreclosure. After the sixth or avoided foreclosure. After the sixth or avoided foreclosure. After the sixth or seventh event, uh the Connecticut State seventh event, uh the Connecticut State seventh event, uh the Connecticut State of Banking started attending our events of Banking started attending our events of Banking started attending our events and eventually the then governor of and eventually the then governor of and eventually the then governor of Connecticut announced a program where he Connecticut announced a program where he Connecticut announced a program where he was going to put banks and borrowers

15:24 was going to put banks and borrowers was going to put banks and borrowers together through a new program where together through a new program where together through a new program where they could avoid foreclosure. And so they could avoid foreclosure. And so they could avoid foreclosure. And so basically stole my playbook and I said, basically stole my playbook and I said, basically stole my playbook and I said, "Okay, that's fine. I'll move on to "Okay, that's fine. I'll move on to "Okay, that's fine. I'll move on to something else. And so, uh, that was my something else. And so, uh, that was my something else. And so, uh, that was my first entry into the the nonprofit

15:34 first entry into the the nonprofit first entry into the the nonprofit space. space. space. >> Seems to me like your your mom's north >> Seems to me like your your mom's north >> Seems to me like your your mom's north star, your guiding principle. You you star, your guiding principle. You you star, your guiding principle. You you applied some of those those practices applied some of those those practices applied some of those those practices that you saw as a as a young boy. The that you saw as a as a young boy. The that you saw as a as a young boy. The the financial world, I mean, it it's the financial world, I mean, it it's the financial world, I mean, it it's it's cutthroat and like you said, they

15:50 it's cutthroat and like you said, they it's cutthroat and like you said, they do have a very negative image in, you do have a very negative image in, you do have a very negative image in, you know, the general public's view. For know, the general public's view. For know, the general public's view. For instance, my brother worked at Goldman instance, my brother worked at Goldman instance, my brother worked at Goldman Sachs. You guys have very similar Sachs. You guys have very similar Sachs. You guys have very similar backgrounds. During the 2008 financial backgrounds. During the 2008 financial backgrounds. During the 2008 financial crisis, I had my series 7 like you did.

16:04 crisis, I had my series 7 like you did. crisis, I had my series 7 like you did. I had my series 55. So, I was doing a I had my series 55. So, I was doing a I had my series 55. So, I was doing a lot of financial related things and I lot of financial related things and I lot of financial related things and I was done. I was on unemployment. It it was done. I was on unemployment. It it was done. I was on unemployment. It it was a really was a really was a really really tough time. So, it's amazing that really tough time. So, it's amazing that really tough time. So, it's amazing that you had that that that background you had that that that background

16:20 you had that that that background growing up and and you kind of went back growing up and and you kind of went back growing up and and you kind of went back to that. And so you I guess it's kind of to that. And so you I guess it's kind of to that. And so you I guess it's kind of like you created the blueprint to allow like you created the blueprint to allow like you created the blueprint to allow these banks to have these relationships these banks to have these relationships these banks to have these relationships to save a lot of these homes because to save a lot of these homes because to save a lot of these homes because that financial crisis could have been

16:31 that financial crisis could have been that financial crisis could have been much worse. Oh, much worse. Oh, much worse. Oh, >> absolutely. And I think look, I'm just >> absolutely. And I think look, I'm just >> absolutely. And I think look, I'm just one guy in a small town in Connecticut one guy in a small town in Connecticut one guy in a small town in Connecticut and it was a very small blueprint, but and it was a very small blueprint, but and it was a very small blueprint, but if you can help one family, great. We if you can help one family, great. We if you can help one family, great. We were fortunate enough to help 250 were fortunate enough to help 250 were fortunate enough to help 250 families. So, all it takes is a little families. So, all it takes is a little families. So, all it takes is a little elbow grease and thinking outside the

16:48 elbow grease and thinking outside the elbow grease and thinking outside the box and having some like-minded friends box and having some like-minded friends box and having some like-minded friends that want to help and volunteer their that want to help and volunteer their that want to help and volunteer their time on a Saturday and, you know, go to time on a Saturday and, you know, go to time on a Saturday and, you know, go to Staples and get some clipboards and pens Staples and get some clipboards and pens Staples and get some clipboards and pens and get some organization. And it's not and get some organization. And it's not and get some organization. And it's not a heavy lift, you know, and at the end

16:58 a heavy lift, you know, and at the end a heavy lift, you know, and at the end of the day, you know, I remember coming of the day, you know, I remember coming of the day, you know, I remember coming home the first time and again, my buddy home the first time and again, my buddy home the first time and again, my buddy Duffy who since passed, he's like, you Duffy who since passed, he's like, you Duffy who since passed, he's like, you know, go get a bottle of wine, pour know, go get a bottle of wine, pour know, go get a bottle of wine, pour yourself a big glass of wine, and start yourself a big glass of wine, and start yourself a big glass of wine, and start writing some thank you notes to the

17:08 writing some thank you notes to the writing some thank you notes to the people at the community center and the people at the community center and the people at the community center and the banks and just, you know, job well done banks and just, you know, job well done banks and just, you know, job well done and and thank everybody. And it was just and and thank everybody. And it was just and and thank everybody. And it was just as simple something as simple as that. as simple something as simple as that. as simple something as simple as that. and and that's led to, you know, 20 and and that's led to, you know, 20 and and that's led to, you know, 20 years into the nonprofit space.

17:19 years into the nonprofit space. years into the nonprofit space. >> That conversation, that experience, the >> That conversation, that experience, the >> That conversation, that experience, the beer with Duffy, the, you know, being on beer with Duffy, the, you know, being on beer with Duffy, the, you know, being on the local local news, local newspaper in the local local news, local newspaper in the local local news, local newspaper in Connecticut, is that where this whole Connecticut, is that where this whole Connecticut, is that where this whole congressional mindset came from? So, you congressional mindset came from? So, you congressional mindset came from? So, you you ran for Congress, which is a very

17:32 you ran for Congress, which is a very you ran for Congress, which is a very public form of vulnerability. What public form of vulnerability. What public form of vulnerability. What surprised you most about yourself during surprised you most about yourself during surprised you most about yourself during that campaign? that campaign? that campaign? >> So, I I was asked to run for Congress >> So, I I was asked to run for Congress >> So, I I was asked to run for Congress because of that. It literally actually because of that. It literally actually because of that. It literally actually got national attention. Someone sent me got national attention. Someone sent me got national attention. Someone sent me a link the I think it was the Monday or a link the I think it was the Monday or a link the I think it was the Monday or Tuesday after the the first event we had

17:51 Tuesday after the the first event we had Tuesday after the the first event we had here in Connecticut. It was the London here in Connecticut. It was the London here in Connecticut. It was the London Telegraph in London, England. And there Telegraph in London, England. And there Telegraph in London, England. And there was an article about the the United was an article about the the United was an article about the the United States economy and there was a picture States economy and there was a picture States economy and there was a picture of President Obama of President Obama of President Obama >> holding straws. I remember the title of >> holding straws. I remember the title of

18:01 >> holding straws. I remember the title of the article was US is grasping at straw the article was US is grasping at straw the article was US is grasping at straw and there's President Obama and then and there's President Obama and then and there's President Obama and then underneath it the article was about me underneath it the article was about me underneath it the article was about me and the event that we' had. and the event that we' had. and the event that we' had. So all of a sudden there's President So all of a sudden there's President So all of a sudden there's President Obama and then there's an article about, Obama and then there's an article about, Obama and then there's an article about, you know, Chris Megan this little you know, Chris Megan this little you know, Chris Megan this little foreclosure event in Connecticut.

18:15 foreclosure event in Connecticut. foreclosure event in Connecticut. >> And so somehow that got picked up in >> And so somehow that got picked up in >> And so somehow that got picked up in Washington. They had reached out to me Washington. They had reached out to me Washington. They had reached out to me and had always had an interest just in and had always had an interest just in and had always had an interest just in politics in general. I remember writing politics in general. I remember writing politics in general. I remember writing a letter to President Reagan when I was a letter to President Reagan when I was a letter to President Reagan when I was 10 years old about my concern about the

18:26 10 years old about my concern about the 10 years old about my concern about the nuclear war with Russia. I actually nuclear war with Russia. I actually nuclear war with Russia. I actually still have that letter in my home safe still have that letter in my home safe still have that letter in my home safe and know that was I think that was the and know that was I think that was the and know that was I think that was the original laser jet signature back then original laser jet signature back then original laser jet signature back then with President Reagan. But then I with President Reagan. But then I with President Reagan. But then I thought, well, you know, if I could do

18:39 thought, well, you know, if I could do thought, well, you know, if I could do this event with just one guy and a this event with just one guy and a this event with just one guy and a handful of friends and again some handful of friends and again some handful of friends and again some staples clipboards, uh, with no federal staples clipboards, uh, with no federal staples clipboards, uh, with no federal funding, imagine what I could do to help funding, imagine what I could do to help funding, imagine what I could do to help people with a federal budget, with a people with a federal budget, with a people with a federal budget, with a broader platform on a on a bigger stage

18:51 broader platform on a on a bigger stage broader platform on a on a bigger stage and a bigger scale. And so just looking and a bigger scale. And so just looking and a bigger scale. And so just looking at that continuation of public service, at that continuation of public service, at that continuation of public service, but on the on the bigger stage was but on the on the bigger stage was but on the on the bigger stage was really, I think, that shot in the arm really, I think, that shot in the arm really, I think, that shot in the arm that that made me think about it and that that made me think about it and that that made me think about it and then ultimately, you know, throw my hat

19:00 The Doctorate, the Books, the Run for Congress

19:02 then ultimately, you know, throw my hat then ultimately, you know, throw my hat in the ring. in the ring. in the ring. Now, you're forcing me to go off track Now, you're forcing me to go off track Now, you're forcing me to go off track here, and we'll get back to my next here, and we'll get back to my next here, and we'll get back to my next follow- on question, but your letter follow- on question, but your letter follow- on question, but your letter that you wrote to Reagan about about that you wrote to Reagan about about that you wrote to Reagan about about nuclear war. nuclear war. nuclear war. I do a lot of writing. I I try to I try I do a lot of writing. I I try to I try I do a lot of writing. I I try to I try to I make fun of the left, I make fun of

19:19 to I make fun of the left, I make fun of to I make fun of the left, I make fun of the right, and I try to bring everybody the right, and I try to bring everybody the right, and I try to bring everybody in the middle to explain, hey, 95% of us in the middle to explain, hey, 95% of us in the middle to explain, hey, 95% of us are actually in the middle, but all this are actually in the middle, but all this are actually in the middle, but all this tribalism that's going on right now. So, tribalism that's going on right now. So, tribalism that's going on right now. So, a friend of mine posted this thing about a friend of mine posted this thing about a friend of mine posted this thing about how General Millie should be, you know,

19:32 how General Millie should be, you know, how General Millie should be, you know, charged with treason and all this stuff. charged with treason and all this stuff. charged with treason and all this stuff. And I said, I actually know that guy and And I said, I actually know that guy and And I said, I actually know that guy and he has the most utmost integrity and has he has the most utmost integrity and has he has the most utmost integrity and has done nothing but wonderful things for done nothing but wonderful things for done nothing but wonderful things for the American people. Why why would you the American people. Why why would you the American people. Why why would you think somebody like that should be, you

19:46 think somebody like that should be, you think somebody like that should be, you know, tried for treason and and hanged? know, tried for treason and and hanged? know, tried for treason and and hanged? Then he said, "Well, you know, Mike, Then he said, "Well, you know, Mike, Then he said, "Well, you know, Mike, just because you know somebody doesn't just because you know somebody doesn't just because you know somebody doesn't mean doesn't give them, you know, free mean doesn't give them, you know, free mean doesn't give them, you know, free will to to betray the the president and will to to betray the the president and will to to betray the the president and all this stuff." And I and I was just

20:01 all this stuff." And I and I was just all this stuff." And I and I was just like, you're you're missing the point like, you're you're missing the point like, you're you're missing the point here. At at what point do we say here. At at what point do we say here. At at what point do we say we're here to serve? And do we make we're here to serve? And do we make we're here to serve? And do we make mistakes? Sure, we make mistakes. But at mistakes? Sure, we make mistakes. But at mistakes? Sure, we make mistakes. But at the same time, General Millie reaching the same time, General Millie reaching the same time, General Millie reaching out to his Chinese counterpart, we do

20:18 out to his Chinese counterpart, we do out to his Chinese counterpart, we do this kind of stuff all the time as this kind of stuff all the time as this kind of stuff all the time as senior leaders. That's how you senior leaders. That's how you senior leaders. That's how you deescalate situations before they be deescalate situations before they be deescalate situations before they be they get any worse. So, if there's they get any worse. So, if there's they get any worse. So, if there's something going on and there's a lot of something going on and there's a lot of something going on and there's a lot of political rhetoric that's causing an, political rhetoric that's causing an, political rhetoric that's causing an, you know, an uprising of these potential you know, an uprising of these potential you know, an uprising of these potential conflicts, I I would encourage our

20:34 conflicts, I I would encourage our conflicts, I I would encourage our senior leaders to call their senior leaders to call their senior leaders to call their counterparts. A, as a senior leader counterparts. A, as a senior leader counterparts. A, as a senior leader myself, I retired as a colonel. I I went myself, I retired as a colonel. I I went myself, I retired as a colonel. I I went to a lot of joint schools, got to meet to a lot of joint schools, got to meet to a lot of joint schools, got to meet other senior leaders from other other senior leaders from other other senior leaders from other countries. And so, for instance, one of countries. And so, for instance, one of

20:47 countries. And so, for instance, one of my friends that I developed through my friends that I developed through my friends that I developed through school was he was a military officer in school was he was a military officer in school was he was a military officer in Lebanon. So, when Lebanon started Lebanon. So, when Lebanon started Lebanon. So, when Lebanon started getting strikes from Israel, I'm getting strikes from Israel, I'm getting strikes from Israel, I'm reaching out to him saying, "Hey, are reaching out to him saying, "Hey, are reaching out to him saying, "Hey, are you okay? What what's going on here? you okay? What what's going on here?

20:59 you okay? What what's going on here? Should I be tried for treason?" Because Should I be tried for treason?" Because Should I be tried for treason?" Because I reached out to a colleague that I that I reached out to a colleague that I that I reached out to a colleague that I that I respect and I got to know from my time I respect and I got to know from my time I respect and I got to know from my time at joint schools. I I don't know why at joint schools. I I don't know why at joint schools. I I don't know why that that piece of the story is not that that piece of the story is not that that piece of the story is not making it to the general public. Anyway,

21:13 making it to the general public. Anyway, making it to the general public. Anyway, that's just my that's just my that's just my >> No, I I agree and I'm sorry your >> No, I I agree and I'm sorry your >> No, I I agree and I'm sorry your listeners not to meet my dog Zeke. So, I listeners not to meet my dog Zeke. So, I listeners not to meet my dog Zeke. So, I think UPS is here. So, I think that's think UPS is here. So, I think that's think UPS is here. So, I think that's the the postcoid world that we get to the the postcoid world that we get to the the postcoid world that we get to meet everyone's personal lives here in meet everyone's personal lives here in meet everyone's personal lives here in this. Uh I think the first question to this. Uh I think the first question to this. Uh I think the first question to your friend would be, you know, what

21:28 your friend would be, you know, what your friend would be, you know, what have you done for our country, you know, have you done for our country, you know, have you done for our country, you know, and whether they serve or not, I don't and whether they serve or not, I don't and whether they serve or not, I don't know. But that would be the first thing know. But that would be the first thing know. But that would be the first thing I would say is look to your point I would say is look to your point I would say is look to your point they're trying to deescalate the they're trying to deescalate the they're trying to deescalate the situation in terms of you know United

21:39 situation in terms of you know United situation in terms of you know United States and national security and safety States and national security and safety States and national security and safety and so there's nothing wrong with that and so there's nothing wrong with that and so there's nothing wrong with that conversation being had. I absolutely conversation being had. I absolutely conversation being had. I absolutely agree with your viewpoint on that. agree with your viewpoint on that. agree with your viewpoint on that. >> Yeah. Okay. Well, I'm just once again >> Yeah. Okay. Well, I'm just once again >> Yeah. Okay. Well, I'm just once again I'm just trying to bring everybody back

21:49 I'm just trying to bring everybody back I'm just trying to bring everybody back to the middle. Sometimes I come across to the middle. Sometimes I come across to the middle. Sometimes I come across as this elitist and I and I don't mean as this elitist and I and I don't mean as this elitist and I and I don't mean that because if people knew actually that because if people knew actually that because if people knew actually where I came from, they'd realize that where I came from, they'd realize that where I came from, they'd realize that I'm just trying to help solve problems I'm just trying to help solve problems I'm just trying to help solve problems similar similar to you. But back to the

22:02 similar similar to you. But back to the similar similar to you. But back to the the political landscape for yourself, the political landscape for yourself, the political landscape for yourself, would you encourage capable, ethical would you encourage capable, ethical would you encourage capable, ethical people to run for office today or would people to run for office today or would people to run for office today or would you warn them away? you warn them away? you warn them away? >> That's another great and tricky >> That's another great and tricky >> That's another great and tricky question. I encourage it. You know, we question. I encourage it. You know, we question. I encourage it. You know, we need young, smart, eager, energetic need young, smart, eager, energetic need young, smart, eager, energetic people out there. We need new young

22:22 people out there. We need new young people out there. We need new young blood out there. Um, I'm not going to blood out there. Um, I'm not going to blood out there. Um, I'm not going to call it the swamp because it's it's just call it the swamp because it's it's just call it the swamp because it's it's just Washington DC and it is what it is. But Washington DC and it is what it is. But Washington DC and it is what it is. But the the one, you know, thing I would the the one, you know, thing I would the the one, you know, thing I would warn them is it is a blood sport. You warn them is it is a blood sport. You warn them is it is a blood sport. You know, people ask me how was your your

22:34 know, people ask me how was your your know, people ask me how was your your campaign and you what was your event campaign and you what was your event campaign and you what was your event like? And it's like I've got 10 fingers, like? And it's like I've got 10 fingers, like? And it's like I've got 10 fingers, 10 toes. I'm still married. And so 10 toes. I'm still married. And so 10 toes. I'm still married. And so that's a huge win for me. Uh but that's a huge win for me. Uh but that's a huge win for me. Uh but absolutely, you know, that is the absolutely, you know, that is the absolutely, you know, that is the ultimate public service you can do in

22:43 ultimate public service you can do in ultimate public service you can do in terms of serving your country, whether terms of serving your country, whether terms of serving your country, whether it's the military or in government. Uh it's the military or in government. Uh it's the military or in government. Uh and so I absolutely encourage them to do and so I absolutely encourage them to do and so I absolutely encourage them to do that. that. that. >> A lot of people have reached out to me >> A lot of people have reached out to me >> A lot of people have reached out to me asking me to run for Congress. And I asking me to run for Congress. And I

22:53 asking me to run for Congress. And I said, I don't want to because then I said, I don't want to because then I said, I don't want to because then I would have to pick a side. And so I would have to pick a side. And so I would have to pick a side. And so I said, "Me trying to be somebody that's said, "Me trying to be somebody that's said, "Me trying to be somebody that's in the middle." They don't understand in the middle." They don't understand in the middle." They don't understand how caucus works, right? If you want to how caucus works, right? If you want to how caucus works, right? If you want to be a Democrat or Republican, you be a Democrat or Republican, you

23:05 be a Democrat or Republican, you typically caucus the majority of your typically caucus the majority of your typically caucus the majority of your time with them because we do have time with them because we do have time with them because we do have independents that are in the 535 right independents that are in the 535 right independents that are in the 535 right now. But, you know, I want to be able to now. But, you know, I want to be able to now. But, you know, I want to be able to call a spade a spade. And so I'm more of call a spade a spade. And so I'm more of call a spade a spade. And so I'm more of in the policy world kind of like you in the policy world kind of like you in the policy world kind of like you mentioned where I would rather pick mentioned where I would rather pick mentioned where I would rather pick holes or or or you know choose arguments

23:24 holes or or or you know choose arguments holes or or or you know choose arguments from the left and the right and try to from the left and the right and try to from the left and the right and try to get the the truth out of out of get the the truth out of out of get the the truth out of out of everything. So me personally I can't run everything. So me personally I can't run everything. So me personally I can't run because then I'd have to pick a side. So because then I'd have to pick a side. So because then I'd have to pick a side. So no and that's fair and in today's world no and that's fair and in today's world no and that's fair and in today's world it is just the sides are so vocal like

23:40 it is just the sides are so vocal like it is just the sides are so vocal like you said there's 95% of us in this bell you said there's 95% of us in this bell you said there's 95% of us in this bell curve here. I I call it 80%. There's, curve here. I I call it 80%. There's, curve here. I I call it 80%. There's, you know, 10% here and 10% here that you know, 10% here and 10% here that you know, 10% here and 10% here that that have the bull the blow bullhorn in that have the bull the blow bullhorn in that have the bull the blow bullhorn in the pulpit. So I I agree with you on the pulpit. So I I agree with you on the pulpit. So I I agree with you on that. that.

23:49 that. >> So when you when you left your time in >> So when you when you left your time in >> So when you when you left your time in the finance world, you had to sign a the finance world, you had to sign a the finance world, you had to sign a non-compete and rather than sitting non-compete and rather than sitting non-compete and rather than sitting around and reading newspapers or going around and reading newspapers or going around and reading newspapers or going back to your your your sailing, your back to your your your sailing, your back to your your your sailing, your love of sailing, you chose to learn. So love of sailing, you chose to learn. So

24:05 love of sailing, you chose to learn. So what question were you trying to answer what question were you trying to answer what question were you trying to answer with getting that doctorate from with getting that doctorate from with getting that doctorate from University of Southern California? University of Southern California? University of Southern California? I apparently get bored easily. Um, a big I apparently get bored easily. Um, a big I apparently get bored easily. Um, a big part of it honestly was and I hate to part of it honestly was and I hate to part of it honestly was and I hate to sound like a broken record but it goes sound like a broken record but it goes

24:18 sound like a broken record but it goes back to my mother. She was married at a back to my mother. She was married at a back to my mother. She was married at a young age, divorced at a young age. She young age, divorced at a young age. She young age, divorced at a young age. She got her bachelor's and masters after got her bachelor's and masters after got her bachelor's and masters after having me and becoming divorced and was having me and becoming divorced and was having me and becoming divorced and was on her way to getting her doctorate and on her way to getting her doctorate and on her way to getting her doctorate and finishing her dissertation when she finishing her dissertation when she

24:30 finishing her dissertation when she passed of breast cancer. And so a big passed of breast cancer. And so a big passed of breast cancer. And so a big part of it was really just finishing it part of it was really just finishing it part of it was really just finishing it for her. Um, but my wife reminds me that for her. Um, but my wife reminds me that for her. Um, but my wife reminds me that I'm not a medical doctor. I can't a I'm not a medical doctor. I can't a I'm not a medical doctor. I can't a prescription or save a life. I'm not a prescription or save a life. I'm not a prescription or save a life. I'm not a real doctor. Um, but also I just wanted real doctor. Um, but also I just wanted

24:42 real doctor. Um, but also I just wanted to, you know, being a lifelong learner, to, you know, being a lifelong learner, to, you know, being a lifelong learner, just what else can I do? what can we do just what else can I do? what can we do just what else can I do? what can we do to the next level and getting the degree to the next level and getting the degree to the next level and getting the degree in organizational change and leadership. in organizational change and leadership. in organizational change and leadership. You know, what can I take from my real You know, what can I take from my real You know, what can I take from my real world lived experiences in the finance

24:54 world lived experiences in the finance world lived experiences in the finance world and then my real world lived world and then my real world lived world and then my real world lived experiences in the private uh public experiences in the private uh public experiences in the private uh public sector, excuse me, in the nonprofit sector, excuse me, in the nonprofit sector, excuse me, in the nonprofit world and similar to that Wall Street world and similar to that Wall Street world and similar to that Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. How can I Journal and Washington Post. How can I Journal and Washington Post. How can I intersect those experiences and then

25:06 intersect those experiences and then intersect those experiences and then write that next chapter of my life and write that next chapter of my life and write that next chapter of my life and then teach that next generation of then teach that next generation of then teach that next generation of leaders? leaders? leaders? >> And I guess that's where led you to >> And I guess that's where led you to >> And I guess that's where led you to Tuttle Capital. Is that right? So, you Tuttle Capital. Is that right? So, you Tuttle Capital. Is that right? So, you know, you say that Tuttle Capital know, you say that Tuttle Capital know, you say that Tuttle Capital challenges traditional financial

25:19 challenges traditional financial challenges traditional financial narratives. What truth do you think narratives. What truth do you think narratives. What truth do you think individual investors still aren't being individual investors still aren't being individual investors still aren't being told? told? told? Well, they're being told, you know, Well, they're being told, you know, Well, they're being told, you know, the playbook in terms of how to retire the playbook in terms of how to retire the playbook in terms of how to retire at a certain age. And what they're being at a certain age. And what they're being at a certain age. And what they're being told is what Wall Street wants you to

25:35 told is what Wall Street wants you to told is what Wall Street wants you to hear and how they're going to get paid, hear and how they're going to get paid, hear and how they're going to get paid, not what's best for that individual and not what's best for that individual and not what's best for that individual and that investor. And so, you know, the old that investor. And so, you know, the old that investor. And so, you know, the old narrative is is really broken. there are narrative is is really broken. there are narrative is is really broken. there are so many more new investment theories, so many more new investment theories, so many more new investment theories, philosophies, and vehicles out there for

25:48 philosophies, and vehicles out there for philosophies, and vehicles out there for Mr. and Mrs. Jones in in Iowa uh that Mr. and Mrs. Jones in in Iowa uh that Mr. and Mrs. Jones in in Iowa uh that they're not aware of it and Wall Street they're not aware of it and Wall Street they're not aware of it and Wall Street puts their interests ahead of everyone puts their interests ahead of everyone puts their interests ahead of everyone else's. And so I think that's the the else's. And so I think that's the the else's. And so I think that's the the truth is not being told truth is not being told truth is not being told >> and my dog should start barking soon. >> and my dog should start barking soon.

26:01 >> and my dog should start barking soon. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> Okay, >> Okay, >> Okay, >> we have a we have a contractor here. >> we have a we have a contractor here. >> we have a we have a contractor here. >> Sure. Is it safe for me to say that the >> Sure. Is it safe for me to say that the >> Sure. Is it safe for me to say that the the financial world is almost confusing the financial world is almost confusing the financial world is almost confusing the general public into dependency? Am I the general public into dependency? Am I the general public into dependency? Am I reaching too far on that? I won't say

26:17 reaching too far on that? I won't say reaching too far on that? I won't say confusing. Look, I' I've been in the confusing. Look, I' I've been in the confusing. Look, I' I've been in the industry for, you know, 30 years and so, industry for, you know, 30 years and so, industry for, you know, 30 years and so, you know, been very fortunate to to be you know, been very fortunate to to be you know, been very fortunate to to be in that industry. um in that industry. um in that industry. um confusing is not the right word, but confusing is not the right word, but confusing is not the right word, but again it's again it's again it's they're changing as they see the need to

26:33 they're changing as they see the need to they're changing as they see the need to change, not necessarily as their end change, not necessarily as their end change, not necessarily as their end client might need see the need to client might need see the need to client might need see the need to change. Uh and so they might be telling change. Uh and so they might be telling change. Uh and so they might be telling the client what change they should be the client what change they should be the client what change they should be doing when it might not necessarily be doing when it might not necessarily be doing when it might not necessarily be the the right change or the change

26:44 the the right change or the change the the right change or the change that's needed at that time if that makes that's needed at that time if that makes that's needed at that time if that makes sense. sense. sense. So during that during your I mean So during that during your I mean So during that during your I mean fortunately you seem to have been fortunately you seem to have been fortunately you seem to have been successful in that financial world successful in that financial world successful in that financial world where where was the transition where you where where was the transition where you where where was the transition where you started to really focus on some of the

26:59 started to really focus on some of the started to really focus on some of the 9/11 stuff and setting up your your 9/11 stuff and setting up your your 9/11 stuff and setting up your your legacy foundation? Why start a 911

27:00 Stripping Away Every Title to Find the Real Mission

27:05 legacy foundation? Why start a 911 legacy foundation? Why start a 911 foundation now when many people are foundation now when many people are foundation now when many people are trying to just move on? trying to just move on? trying to just move on? So really the impetus there was so for So really the impetus there was so for So really the impetus there was so for most of my career I was you know have most of my career I was you know have most of my career I was you know have been worked I've been working around been worked I've been working around been worked I've been working around ground zero. I was across the street on ground zero. I was across the street on ground zero. I was across the street on 911. I saw everything from the front 911. I saw everything from the front 911. I saw everything from the front row. Um I saw people jumping because

27:24 row. Um I saw people jumping because row. Um I saw people jumping because that was the best option that they had. that was the best option that they had. that was the best option that they had. And it took me 17 years to actually go And it took me 17 years to actually go And it took me 17 years to actually go back to ground zero. I finally self back to ground zero. I finally self back to ground zero. I finally self diagnosed myself with with PTSD. Uh when diagnosed myself with with PTSD. Uh when diagnosed myself with with PTSD. Uh when I went back happened to be 911 in 2018. I went back happened to be 911 in 2018. I went back happened to be 911 in 2018. I didn't think about it. That was the

27:38 I didn't think about it. That was the I didn't think about it. That was the day obviously of of the ceremony and I day obviously of of the ceremony and I day obviously of of the ceremony and I couldn't actually get to ground zero couldn't actually get to ground zero couldn't actually get to ground zero because of the blockade and and the because of the blockade and and the because of the blockade and and the ceremony and so wasn't quite finished ceremony and so wasn't quite finished ceremony and so wasn't quite finished work for me. Uh and then actually went work for me. Uh and then actually went work for me. Uh and then actually went back in May of last year 2025 was the

27:52 back in May of last year 2025 was the back in May of last year 2025 was the first time I went to the memorial and I first time I went to the memorial and I first time I went to the memorial and I had to for there was a photo interview I had to for there was a photo interview I had to for there was a photo interview I had to do and had to do and had to do and it was really peace and relief when I it was really peace and relief when I it was really peace and relief when I went back there. But the the real driver went back there. But the the real driver went back there. But the the real driver for creating the Legacy Foundation was for creating the Legacy Foundation was for creating the Legacy Foundation was the 20th anniversary and nothing really

28:07 the 20th anniversary and nothing really the 20th anniversary and nothing really happened. Big milestone. It was the happened. Big milestone. It was the happened. Big milestone. It was the heart of COVID. It was political heart of COVID. It was political heart of COVID. It was political controversy between Trump and Biden, who controversy between Trump and Biden, who controversy between Trump and Biden, who should or shouldn't be there. And I should or shouldn't be there. And I should or shouldn't be there. And I thought, well, 25th is the next big thought, well, 25th is the next big thought, well, 25th is the next big milestone. And that might be the last

28:19 milestone. And that might be the last milestone. And that might be the last one that our generation is around for one that our generation is around for one that our generation is around for and something needs to be done. And just and something needs to be done. And just and something needs to be done. And just wanted to do something different in wanted to do something different in wanted to do something different in terms of the education according to terms of the education according to terms of the education according to that. In 2022, there were dozens of that. In 2022, there were dozens of that. In 2022, there were dozens of videos put on Tik Tok in support of

28:30 videos put on Tik Tok in support of videos put on Tik Tok in support of Osama bin Laden's letter to America in Osama bin Laden's letter to America in Osama bin Laden's letter to America in 2002, which received over 14 million 2002, which received over 14 million 2002, which received over 14 million views. In 2023, Pew Research put a views. In 2023, Pew Research put a views. In 2023, Pew Research put a report out that over one in five genzers report out that over one in five genzers report out that over one in five genzers ages 18 to 29 have sympathy or empathy ages 18 to 29 have sympathy or empathy ages 18 to 29 have sympathy or empathy toward Osama bin Laden. And so, we vowed

28:46 toward Osama bin Laden. And so, we vowed toward Osama bin Laden. And so, we vowed on September 12th, 2001 to never forget. on September 12th, 2001 to never forget. on September 12th, 2001 to never forget. Yet, we've got over 100 million Yet, we've got over 100 million Yet, we've got over 100 million Americans that don't know what they're Americans that don't know what they're Americans that don't know what they're supposed to not forget. And so I'm supposed to not forget. And so I'm supposed to not forget. And so I'm trying to change that narrative from trying to change that narrative from trying to change that narrative from never forget to we remember.

28:58 never forget to we remember. never forget to we remember. >> Is that remembrance an act of grief or >> Is that remembrance an act of grief or >> Is that remembrance an act of grief or responsibility? responsibility? responsibility? Maybe a little bit of both, but it's Maybe a little bit of both, but it's Maybe a little bit of both, but it's it's I think more responsibility. You it's I think more responsibility. You it's I think more responsibility. You know, this educational component is a know, this educational component is a know, this educational component is a huge piece of it. You know, 2,977 huge piece of it. You know, 2,977

29:12 huge piece of it. You know, 2,977 victims were murdered that day. Innocent victims were murdered that day. Innocent victims were murdered that day. Innocent people, husbands, wives, brothers, people, husbands, wives, brothers, people, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, children, and they're being sisters, children, and they're being sisters, children, and they're being swept under the rug. And I tell people swept under the rug. And I tell people swept under the rug. And I tell people as I talk about this, unless you live in as I talk about this, unless you live in as I talk about this, unless you live in the Northeast Corridor, nobody really the Northeast Corridor, nobody really

29:25 the Northeast Corridor, nobody really gives a about 911. You know, you gives a about 911. You know, you gives a about 911. You know, you you weren't really affected. You know, you weren't really affected. You know, you weren't really affected. You know, even from Boston, where one of the even from Boston, where one of the even from Boston, where one of the planes took off from from Logan, you planes took off from from Logan, you planes took off from from Logan, you know, they're not really part of that know, they're not really part of that know, they're not really part of that circle. So, it's really New York, DC, circle. So, it's really New York, DC,

29:35 circle. So, it's really New York, DC, uh, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, uh, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, uh, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, that's it. If you live in Chicago, if that's it. If you live in Chicago, if that's it. If you live in Chicago, if you live in Las Vegas, okay, 911's a day you live in Las Vegas, okay, 911's a day you live in Las Vegas, okay, 911's a day on the calendar and that's it. One of my on the calendar and that's it. One of my on the calendar and that's it. One of my biggest fears is that we make 911 biggest fears is that we make 911 biggest fears is that we make 911 Memorial Day and you get 15% off at the Memorial Day and you get 15% off at the Memorial Day and you get 15% off at the mall if you go shopping at Macy's. And mall if you go shopping at Macy's. And mall if you go shopping at Macy's. And that can happen. And so that's my

29:50 that can happen. And so that's my that can happen. And so that's my personal responsibility. That's the personal responsibility. That's the personal responsibility. That's the weight that I bear on my shoulders as weight that I bear on my shoulders as weight that I bear on my shoulders as someone who was there. And seeing a someone who was there. And seeing a someone who was there. And seeing a woman hold her dress down as she jumped woman hold her dress down as she jumped woman hold her dress down as she jumped as her last act to try and save some as her last act to try and save some as her last act to try and save some dignity before she jumped to her death.

30:01 dignity before she jumped to her death. dignity before she jumped to her death. It just it brings up so much emotion in It just it brings up so much emotion in It just it brings up so much emotion in me cuz I I don't know how old you are, me cuz I I don't know how old you are, me cuz I I don't know how old you are, but I'm I'm 50 years old and I was a but I'm I'm 50 years old and I was a but I'm I'm 50 years old and I was a second lieutenant in the Air Force when second lieutenant in the Air Force when second lieutenant in the Air Force when 9/11 happened. And I was asleep living 9/11 happened. And I was asleep living 9/11 happened. And I was asleep living on the west coast and my my roommate

30:18 on the west coast and my my roommate on the west coast and my my roommate started banging on the wall, you know, started banging on the wall, you know, started banging on the wall, you know, Mike, Mike, you got to get up, turn on Mike, Mike, you got to get up, turn on Mike, Mike, you got to get up, turn on the television. the television. the television. And we, you know, we saw all this And we, you know, we saw all this And we, you know, we saw all this happened. The strangest thing of all was happened. The strangest thing of all was happened. The strangest thing of all was all of us just put our uniforms on and all of us just put our uniforms on and all of us just put our uniforms on and and drove into work. It nobody had to

30:36 and drove into work. It nobody had to and drove into work. It nobody had to ask us. There was no, you know, text ask us. There was no, you know, text ask us. There was no, you know, text message, hey, we're going to this Defcon message, hey, we're going to this Defcon message, hey, we're going to this Defcon or we're going to this force protection. or we're going to this force protection. or we're going to this force protection. You got to come to work. Everybody just You got to come to work. Everybody just You got to come to work. Everybody just showed up and I remember the colonel at showed up and I remember the colonel at showed up and I remember the colonel at the time standing in front of us, a very

30:49 the time standing in front of us, a very the time standing in front of us, a very large audience at the base I was large audience at the base I was large audience at the base I was stationed at and he was like, "We're stationed at and he was like, "We're stationed at and he was like, "We're going to war and you know, going to war and you know, going to war and you know, America's been attacked." And yeah, so America's been attacked." And yeah, so America's been attacked." And yeah, so to hear you say that 14 million views to hear you say that 14 million views to hear you say that 14 million views were, you know, in favor of Osama bin were, you know, in favor of Osama bin

31:06 were, you know, in favor of Osama bin Laden, my goodness, Laden, my goodness, Laden, my goodness, we've lost the uh the communication war. we've lost the uh the communication war. we've lost the uh the communication war. No, and that's an understatement No, and that's an understatement No, and that's an understatement unfortunately and and as we know this unfortunately and and as we know this unfortunately and and as we know this today's generation it's just social today's generation it's just social today's generation it's just social media and when you've got Tik Tok as you media and when you've got Tik Tok as you media and when you've got Tik Tok as you know one of the major platforms you know

31:22 know one of the major platforms you know know one of the major platforms you know the attention span now I think is like the attention span now I think is like the attention span now I think is like 14 seconds for a video or something to 14 seconds for a video or something to 14 seconds for a video or something to that effect and so you know they're that effect and so you know they're that effect and so you know they're they're just sort of doom scrolling on they're just sort of doom scrolling on they're just sort of doom scrolling on their phones and they're going to click their phones and they're going to click their phones and they're going to click that video it's as you mentioned

31:33 that video it's as you mentioned that video it's as you mentioned clickbait and that's it and it's it's clickbait and that's it and it's it's clickbait and that's it and it's it's unfortunate. I'm blessed that, you know, unfortunate. I'm blessed that, you know, unfortunate. I'm blessed that, you know, through the work I've done over the last through the work I've done over the last through the work I've done over the last 16 plus years, our kids have seen what 16 plus years, our kids have seen what 16 plus years, our kids have seen what I've done and so their mindset is of a I've done and so their mindset is of a I've done and so their mindset is of a certain way. You know, it's the old

31:45 certain way. You know, it's the old certain way. You know, it's the old phrase of raise them right. You know, phrase of raise them right. You know, phrase of raise them right. You know, teach them young in terms of teach them young in terms of teach them young in terms of responsibility and giving back. And so, responsibility and giving back. And so, responsibility and giving back. And so, again, I feel this is my personal cross again, I feel this is my personal cross again, I feel this is my personal cross that I bear. that I bear. that I bear. >> You mentioned the Tik Tok thing and >> You mentioned the Tik Tok thing and >> You mentioned the Tik Tok thing and these algorithms. I wrote a story about these algorithms. I wrote a story about these algorithms. I wrote a story about the power of these algorithms and I

32:00 the power of these algorithms and I the power of these algorithms and I tried to give the example of I have two tried to give the example of I have two tried to give the example of I have two YouTube pages. I've got Voice for Valor YouTube pages. I've got Voice for Valor YouTube pages. I've got Voice for Valor and I've got my personal page. My and I've got my personal page. My and I've got my personal page. My personal page algorithm is built very personal page algorithm is built very personal page algorithm is built very news centric. It it talks about the news centric. It it talks about the news centric. It it talks about the left, it talks about the right, but I

32:15 left, it talks about the right, but I left, it talks about the right, but I get this constant feed of news. But then get this constant feed of news. But then get this constant feed of news. But then my Voice for Valor YouTube page is all my Voice for Valor YouTube page is all my Voice for Valor YouTube page is all just ultrarightwing, just ultrarightwing, just ultrarightwing, guns, violence, and I thought, but I'm guns, violence, and I thought, but I'm guns, violence, and I thought, but I'm the same person and I'm getting fed the same person and I'm getting fed the same person and I'm getting fed completely different algorithms. And so completely different algorithms. And so

32:33 completely different algorithms. And so I just feel so sad for folks that get I just feel so sad for folks that get I just feel so sad for folks that get stuck in these echo chambers and they go stuck in these echo chambers and they go stuck in these echo chambers and they go from being a critical thinker to just from being a critical thinker to just from being a critical thinker to just somebody that you can't even have a somebody that you can't even have a somebody that you can't even have a conversation with. And I don't know how conversation with. And I don't know how conversation with. And I don't know how to fix that. to fix that. to fix that. >> Fortunately, we can't. And to your

32:48 >> Fortunately, we can't. And to your >> Fortunately, we can't. And to your point, you're being fed what you want to point, you're being fed what you want to point, you're being fed what you want to be fed. be fed. be fed. >> You know, they they've already labeled >> You know, they they've already labeled >> You know, they they've already labeled you a certain person. To your point you a certain person. To your point you a certain person. To your point about your your veteran one, and it's about your your veteran one, and it's about your your veteran one, and it's just like you said, it's going to be just like you said, it's going to be

32:57 just like you said, it's going to be guns, ammo, war, whatever it is. And guns, ammo, war, whatever it is. And guns, ammo, war, whatever it is. And just because of, you know, a certain few just because of, you know, a certain few

33:00 Building the 9/11 Legacy Foundation

33:01 just because of, you know, a certain few buzzwords on there, just the chat bots buzzwords on there, just the chat bots buzzwords on there, just the chat bots or whatever they are, they they find you or whatever they are, they they find you or whatever they are, they they find you and they just start feeding you stuff. and they just start feeding you stuff. and they just start feeding you stuff. >> Well, you know, before we had this >> Well, you know, before we had this >> Well, you know, before we had this conversation or before preparing to conversation or before preparing to conversation or before preparing to interview you today, I was looking at

33:14 interview you today, I was looking at interview you today, I was looking at your 911 legacy.org website, you've got your 911 legacy.org website, you've got your 911 legacy.org website, you've got some heavy hitters on here. I mean, I some heavy hitters on here. I mean, I some heavy hitters on here. I mean, I remember last year listening to Andrew remember last year listening to Andrew remember last year listening to Andrew Card, who was the, you know, former Card, who was the, you know, former Card, who was the, you know, former chief of staff of George Bush during chief of staff of George Bush during chief of staff of George Bush during 911. Uh you've got my my boss now,

33:31 911. Uh you've got my my boss now, 911. Uh you've got my my boss now, General Sassville on your website and General Sassville on your website and General Sassville on your website and then you've got you know Leon Petta. then you've got you know Leon Petta. then you've got you know Leon Petta. You've got some heavy hitters in this You've got some heavy hitters in this You've got some heavy hitters in this organization. So as you've interviewed organization. So as you've interviewed organization. So as you've interviewed leaders across disciplines, what trait leaders across disciplines, what trait leaders across disciplines, what trait consistently separates those who endure

33:45 consistently separates those who endure consistently separates those who endure from those who fade? from those who fade? from those who fade? >> It's very simple and it's service above >> It's very simple and it's service above >> It's very simple and it's service above self. self. self. Every single one of these individuals Every single one of these individuals Every single one of these individuals are true public servants in the absolute are true public servants in the absolute are true public servants in the absolute purest form. Uh, you know, you mentioned purest form. Uh, you know, you mentioned purest form. Uh, you know, you mentioned Andy Card and Petta. I'm actually I'm

34:00 Andy Card and Petta. I'm actually I'm Andy Card and Petta. I'm actually I'm blessed I'm interviewing them later blessed I'm interviewing them later blessed I'm interviewing them later today for the podcast for pre-recording. today for the podcast for pre-recording. today for the podcast for pre-recording. Uh, and I've never met two finer Uh, and I've never met two finer Uh, and I've never met two finer gentlemen than these guys and the gentlemen than these guys and the gentlemen than these guys and the careers that they have had are, you careers that they have had are, you careers that they have had are, you know, if they were baseball or football

34:10 know, if they were baseball or football know, if they were baseball or football players, you know, they're in the Hall players, you know, they're in the Hall players, you know, they're in the Hall of Fame first ballot. If they were Mount of Fame first ballot. If they were Mount of Fame first ballot. If they were Mount Rushmore for non-presidents, they'd be Rushmore for non-presidents, they'd be Rushmore for non-presidents, they'd be on it. And and obviously in both on it. And and obviously in both on it. And and obviously in both different political parties. Um, you different political parties. Um, you different political parties. Um, you mentioned General Sassville who was

34:22 mentioned General Sassville who was mentioned General Sassville who was just, you know, for people don't know just, you know, for people don't know just, you know, for people don't know his story. He was one of the first two his story. He was one of the first two his story. He was one of the first two planes deployed when 911 happened. He planes deployed when 911 happened. He planes deployed when 911 happened. He had just come back from a practice had just come back from a practice had just come back from a practice flight and was unarmed. He and then flight and was unarmed. He and then flight and was unarmed. He and then Lieutenant Heather Penny, Lucky Penny,

34:35 Lieutenant Heather Penny, Lucky Penny, Lieutenant Heather Penny, Lucky Penny, their job was to take down flight 93 and their job was to take down flight 93 and their job was to take down flight 93 and one was to strike the front of the one was to strike the front of the one was to strike the front of the plane, one was to strike the tail of the plane, one was to strike the tail of the plane, one was to strike the tail of the plane and it was a suicide mission. plane and it was a suicide mission. plane and it was a suicide mission. >> And people didn't really know that story >> And people didn't really know that story >> And people didn't really know that story until the 10th anniversary. So I want to

34:44 until the 10th anniversary. So I want to until the 10th anniversary. So I want to make sure people know that story and make sure people know that story and make sure people know that story and that's part of what we're doing here is that's part of what we're doing here is that's part of what we're doing here is the general public don't know a lot of the general public don't know a lot of the general public don't know a lot of these stories that that's actually these stories that that's actually these stories that that's actually happened about heroism, resiliency, happened about heroism, resiliency, happened about heroism, resiliency, duty, service above self. And so heroes

34:55 duty, service above self. And so heroes duty, service above self. And so heroes like Mark Sassville, Heather Penny, like Mark Sassville, Heather Penny, like Mark Sassville, Heather Penny, leaders like Andy Cart, Leon Penna, leaders like Andy Cart, Leon Penna, leaders like Andy Cart, Leon Penna, that's what we need our young people that's what we need our young people that's what we need our young people today to look for in terms of your Aaron today to look for in terms of your Aaron today to look for in terms of your Aaron Judge, your show Otani, your whoever Judge, your show Otani, your whoever Judge, your show Otani, your whoever your big star is in terms of what you

35:10 your big star is in terms of what you your big star is in terms of what you should do and what you should focus on should do and what you should focus on should do and what you should focus on to be that public servant that they are to be that public servant that they are to be that public servant that they are and that they have been. And these and that they have been. And these and that they have been. And these gentlemen and women have done 30, 40, 50 gentlemen and women have done 30, 40, 50 gentlemen and women have done 30, 40, 50 years of their career where they could years of their career where they could years of their career where they could have made a ton of dough in the private

35:21 have made a ton of dough in the private have made a ton of dough in the private sector, but they served their country sector, but they served their country sector, but they served their country above themselves. above themselves. above themselves. I try to tell anybody that's willing to I try to tell anybody that's willing to I try to tell anybody that's willing to listen, I get on my my soap box. My wife listen, I get on my my soap box. My wife listen, I get on my my soap box. My wife always teases me. She's like, "Here he always teases me. She's like, "Here he always teases me. She's like, "Here he goes again. He's going to go off this goes again. He's going to go off this

35:32 goes again. He's going to go off this diet tribe or this recruiting, you know, diet tribe or this recruiting, you know, diet tribe or this recruiting, you know, this recruiting this recruiting this recruiting episode." episode." episode." But I keep telling people it has been But I keep telling people it has been But I keep telling people it has been proven time and time again from proven time and time again from proven time and time again from psychologists to sociologists to you psychologists to sociologists to you psychologists to sociologists to you name the the the profession. name the the the profession. name the the the profession. Service has proven to provide internal Service has proven to provide internal

35:53 Service has proven to provide internal happiness. happiness. happiness. service at your church, being a police service at your church, being a police service at your church, being a police officer, being a firefighter, serving officer, being a firefighter, serving officer, being a firefighter, serving your community, serving others has been your community, serving others has been your community, serving others has been proven that that is what wakes you up in proven that that is what wakes you up in proven that that is what wakes you up in the morning and provides this level of the morning and provides this level of the morning and provides this level of happiness that people are just seeking

36:10 happiness that people are just seeking happiness that people are just seeking through Tik Tok, through these these through Tik Tok, through these these through Tik Tok, through these these channels that are not designed to make channels that are not designed to make channels that are not designed to make you happy. They're designed to make you you happy. They're designed to make you you happy. They're designed to make you miserable so that you continue to miserable so that you continue to miserable so that you continue to consume more content, buy more products, consume more content, buy more products, consume more content, buy more products, follow more things. And it's just it's

36:26 follow more things. And it's just it's follow more things. And it's just it's sad. I just I wish there was an easy sad. I just I wish there was an easy sad. I just I wish there was an easy answer. answer. answer. >> No, sad understatement. And my hope is >> No, sad understatement. And my hope is >> No, sad understatement. And my hope is that, you know, when these I'll call that, you know, when these I'll call that, you know, when these I'll call them young kids because I'm a little bit them young kids because I'm a little bit them young kids because I'm a little bit older than you, but you know, when older than you, but you know, when

36:38 older than you, but you know, when they're 22, 23, four years old, they're they're 22, 23, four years old, they're they're 22, 23, four years old, they're still growing, still maturing, still growing, still maturing, still growing, still maturing, especially we know that men mature later especially we know that men mature later especially we know that men mature later than women. But my hope is that once than women. But my hope is that once than women. But my hope is that once they turn 30 and they become husbands, they turn 30 and they become husbands, they turn 30 and they become husbands, wives, parents, they realize the world's wives, parents, they realize the world's

36:50 wives, parents, they realize the world's a little bit different a little bit different a little bit different >> and they have different responsibilities >> and they have different responsibilities >> and they have different responsibilities now. And that to your point, it has been now. And that to your point, it has been now. And that to your point, it has been proven time and time again that working proven time and time again that working proven time and time again that working at your soup kitchen, you know, at your soup kitchen, you know, at your soup kitchen, you know, delivering meals, you know, being a delivering meals, you know, being a delivering meals, you know, being a volunteer for the Boy Scouts or or volunteer for the Boy Scouts or or volunteer for the Boy Scouts or or whatever it may be, that's what makes

37:06 whatever it may be, that's what makes whatever it may be, that's what makes you feel good. That's what makes you get you feel good. That's what makes you get you feel good. That's what makes you get out of bed. And it's something as simple out of bed. And it's something as simple out of bed. And it's something as simple as that. It's not a lot of time. And if as that. It's not a lot of time. And if as that. It's not a lot of time. And if you do that, you're going to feel good. you do that, you're going to feel good. you do that, you're going to feel good. You're going to teach your your spouse You're going to teach your your spouse You're going to teach your your spouse or your neighbors or your children about

37:17 or your neighbors or your children about or your neighbors or your children about it as well. And they give back. And so it as well. And they give back. And so it as well. And they give back. And so my neighbor, you know, we're back very my neighbor, you know, we're back very my neighbor, you know, we're back very close friends with them. the wife, she close friends with them. the wife, she close friends with them. the wife, she spends most of her time at the local spends most of her time at the local spends most of her time at the local animal shelter and that's her big thing. animal shelter and that's her big thing. animal shelter and that's her big thing. And because of her, well, you heard one,

37:30 And because of her, well, you heard one, And because of her, well, you heard one, but we have two rescue dogs and and so but we have two rescue dogs and and so but we have two rescue dogs and and so it's just something as simple as that it's just something as simple as that it's just something as simple as that where you give back your time, you feel where you give back your time, you feel where you give back your time, you feel good, but it's also not not just about good, but it's also not not just about good, but it's also not not just about you feeling good. It's it's just the you feeling good. It's it's just the you feeling good. It's it's just the right thing to do.

37:41 right thing to do. right thing to do. But what question do you wish someone But what question do you wish someone But what question do you wish someone would ask you but but rarely does? would ask you but but rarely does? would ask you but but rarely does? >> Wow, >> Wow, >> Wow, probably that one. probably that one. probably that one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh boy. >> Oh boy. >> Oh boy. If you weren't on Wall Street, where If you weren't on Wall Street, where If you weren't on Wall Street, where would you be? And I'm only saying that would you be? And I'm only saying that would you be? And I'm only saying that because I saw a new podcast that's because I saw a new podcast that's because I saw a new podcast that's coming out where they asked Charles coming out where they asked Charles

38:00 coming out where they asked Charles Bark, Charles Barkley, if he wasn't Bark, Charles Barkley, if he wasn't Bark, Charles Barkley, if he wasn't 6'10, where would he be? 6'10, where would he be? 6'10, where would he be? >> And he says, "I'd be at McDonald's >> And he says, "I'd be at McDonald's >> And he says, "I'd be at McDonald's asking if you want fries with that." asking if you want fries with that." asking if you want fries with that." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, I thought that was pretty funny. You >> So, I thought that was pretty funny. You >> So, I thought that was pretty funny. You know, I don't know. I'd probably be like

38:12 know, I don't know. I'd probably be like know, I don't know. I'd probably be like a policy wonk in a think tank. a policy wonk in a think tank. a policy wonk in a think tank. You sort of, you know, going into that You sort of, you know, going into that You sort of, you know, going into that academia world. My wife laughs at the academia world. My wife laughs at the academia world. My wife laughs at the number of pieces of paper I have on the number of pieces of paper I have on the number of pieces of paper I have on the wall. I'm like, "They just collect dust. wall. I'm like, "They just collect dust. wall. I'm like, "They just collect dust. It's more things to to dust on Saturday.

38:24 It's more things to to dust on Saturday. It's more things to to dust on Saturday. >> I've taken I've taken all my >> I've taken I've taken all my >> I've taken I've taken all my certificates and accomplishments off my certificates and accomplishments off my certificates and accomplishments off my wall. Now it's just airplanes and and wall. Now it's just airplanes and and wall. Now it's just airplanes and and motivational. motivational. motivational. >> Much better. Much better. >> Much better. Much better. >> Much better. Much better. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And may maybe a teacher. My mom

38:36 >> Yeah. And may maybe a teacher. My mom >> Yeah. And may maybe a teacher. My mom was a teacher and I've done some I've was a teacher and I've done some I've was a teacher and I've done some I've been an adjunct professor in the past. been an adjunct professor in the past. been an adjunct professor in the past. So maybe maybe that route. So maybe maybe that route. So maybe maybe that route. >> When your career is viewed as a whole, >> When your career is viewed as a whole, >> When your career is viewed as a whole, what do you hope connects the chapters? parallel lives, parallel lives, you know, Wall Street meets Main Street,

38:54 you know, Wall Street meets Main Street, you know, Wall Street meets Main Street, you know, and just just the giving back you know, and just just the giving back you know, and just just the giving back component to it, you know, yes, again, component to it, you know, yes, again, component to it, you know, yes, again, I've been very blessed to have a long, I've been very blessed to have a long, I've been very blessed to have a long, you know, fairly successful career in

39:00 Teaching the Next Generation Responsibility and Agency

39:02 you know, fairly successful career in you know, fairly successful career in the financial services industry, but the financial services industry, but the financial services industry, but that's afforded me the luxury of being that's afforded me the luxury of being that's afforded me the luxury of being able to do the volunteer work that I've able to do the volunteer work that I've able to do the volunteer work that I've done, um, that jump started it obviously done, um, that jump started it obviously done, um, that jump started it obviously with the foreclosure event. Um, and so with the foreclosure event. Um, and so with the foreclosure event. Um, and so just have having that ability to to

39:16 just have having that ability to to just have having that ability to to navigate those two worlds and to have navigate those two worlds and to have navigate those two worlds and to have those parallel lives, I think has really those parallel lives, I think has really those parallel lives, I think has really been what's been most fulfilling for me. been what's been most fulfilling for me. been what's been most fulfilling for me. >> For our listeners who feel stuck between >> For our listeners who feel stuck between >> For our listeners who feel stuck between comfort and calling, what's the first comfort and calling, what's the first comfort and calling, what's the first next step you challenge them to take?

39:32 next step you challenge them to take? next step you challenge them to take? >> Go for it. Don't be afraid. Things will >> Go for it. Don't be afraid. Things will >> Go for it. Don't be afraid. Things will work out. You'll figure it out. Um, you work out. You'll figure it out. Um, you work out. You'll figure it out. Um, you might take a step back, but you're going might take a step back, but you're going might take a step back, but you're going to take three steps forward. And so, uh, to take three steps forward. And so, uh, to take three steps forward. And so, uh, you know, you mentioned my podcast at you know, you mentioned my podcast at you know, you mentioned my podcast at the beginning of the show. It's called

39:44 the beginning of the show. It's called the beginning of the show. It's called Next Steps Forward. And it's always Next Steps Forward. And it's always Next Steps Forward. And it's always about, you might get knocked down, but about, you might get knocked down, but about, you might get knocked down, but it's about perseverance. It's about it's about perseverance. It's about it's about perseverance. It's about resilience. It's about, you know, going resilience. It's about, you know, going resilience. It's about, you know, going forward and learning from your mistakes. forward and learning from your mistakes. forward and learning from your mistakes. Uh, and teaching others about that as

39:55 Uh, and teaching others about that as Uh, and teaching others about that as well. You know, just like our parents, well. You know, just like our parents, well. You know, just like our parents, we're now becoming our parents. Like, we're now becoming our parents. Like, we're now becoming our parents. Like, you know, don't do it. You're going to you know, don't do it. You're going to you know, don't do it. You're going to learn like, damn it, dad was right or learn like, damn it, dad was right or learn like, damn it, dad was right or mom was right. Um, and so really just mom was right. Um, and so really just mom was right. Um, and so really just just go for it. The things will figure

40:05 just go for it. The things will figure just go for it. The things will figure themselves out. themselves out. themselves out. One thing that I try to tell folks when One thing that I try to tell folks when One thing that I try to tell folks when when I'm asked kind of that next step when I'm asked kind of that next step when I'm asked kind of that next step question or you know what can I do question or you know what can I do question or you know what can I do today, right? You look at this thing and today, right? You look at this thing and today, right? You look at this thing and it just it looks like a mountain. So, it just it looks like a mountain. So,

40:16 it just it looks like a mountain. So, what can I do today for that first step? what can I do today for that first step? what can I do today for that first step? And I I was having a conversation with And I I was having a conversation with And I I was having a conversation with General Schwarz, a former chief of staff General Schwarz, a former chief of staff General Schwarz, a former chief of staff of the Air Force. And he said, "Mike, of the Air Force. And he said, "Mike, of the Air Force. And he said, "Mike, don't ever be afraid to ask senior don't ever be afraid to ask senior don't ever be afraid to ask senior leaders or those with more experience leaders or those with more experience

40:31 leaders or those with more experience than yourself for mentorship, guidance, than yourself for mentorship, guidance, than yourself for mentorship, guidance, and coaching." So I if if church is your and coaching." So I if if church is your and coaching." So I if if church is your thing, go to your deacon, go to whatever thing, go to your deacon, go to whatever thing, go to your deacon, go to whatever religion you're part of. Go to those religion you're part of. Go to those religion you're part of. Go to those senior leaders and ask for advice. I I senior leaders and ask for advice. I I senior leaders and ask for advice. I I have asked so many people outside of my

40:46 have asked so many people outside of my have asked so many people outside of my normal profession, can I just pick your normal profession, can I just pick your normal profession, can I just pick your brain? Can I be a puppy dog and follow brain? Can I be a puppy dog and follow brain? Can I be a puppy dog and follow you around today and just and see what you around today and just and see what you around today and just and see what what makes you tick and and why you're what makes you tick and and why you're what makes you tick and and why you're so successful or you're so happy in the so successful or you're so happy in the so successful or you're so happy in the way your life has turned out? And that's

40:59 way your life has turned out? And that's way your life has turned out? And that's the best advice I try to give folks is I the best advice I try to give folks is I the best advice I try to give folks is I reach out to the most random people that reach out to the most random people that reach out to the most random people that that people are like, "Hey man, you're that people are like, "Hey man, you're that people are like, "Hey man, you're punching way above your weight trying to punching way above your weight trying to punching way above your weight trying to have a conversation with that guy, guy have a conversation with that guy, guy have a conversation with that guy, guy or gal." And guess what? 25% of the time

41:13 or gal." And guess what? 25% of the time or gal." And guess what? 25% of the time they actually respond and they be they actually respond and they be they actually respond and they be they're wonderful people and they like they're wonderful people and they like they're wonderful people and they like to give back as well. So to give back as well. So to give back as well. So I just Chris I, you know, I I listen to I just Chris I, you know, I I listen to I just Chris I, you know, I I listen to you at the American Veteran Center, the you at the American Veteran Center, the you at the American Veteran Center, the what do we call that? The American what do we call that? The American

41:26 what do we call that? The American valor, right? So, I've been a volunteer valor, right? So, I've been a volunteer valor, right? So, I've been a volunteer photographer for that thing for the last photographer for that thing for the last photographer for that thing for the last couple years, and I've gotten to know couple years, and I've gotten to know couple years, and I've gotten to know some wonderful veterans and people that some wonderful veterans and people that some wonderful veterans and people that have given back and I am just so have given back and I am just so have given back and I am just so thankful that you are doing this and thankful that you are doing this and

41:39 thankful that you are doing this and that you are giving back. And so, I just that you are giving back. And so, I just that you are giving back. And so, I just have one little rapid fire for you and have one little rapid fire for you and have one little rapid fire for you and then we'll call it good. then we'll call it good. then we'll call it good. >> Okay, fair enough. >> Okay, fair enough. >> Okay, fair enough. >> Power or purpose? >> Power or purpose? >> Power or purpose? >> Purpose. >> Purpose. >> Purpose. >> Certainty or curiosity? >> Certainty or curiosity? >> Certainty or curiosity? Curiosity.

41:58 Curiosity. Curiosity. >> Legacy or impact? >> Legacy or impact? >> Legacy or impact? >> Impact. >> Impact. >> Impact. >> Comfort or growth? >> Comfort or growth? >> Comfort or growth? >> Growth. >> Growth. >> Growth. >> Brother Chris, thank you so much for >> Brother Chris, thank you so much for >> Brother Chris, thank you so much for being on Voice for Valor. I look forward being on Voice for Valor. I look forward being on Voice for Valor. I look forward to chatting with you again in the to chatting with you again in the to chatting with you again in the future. future. future. >> That was an absolute honor and a

42:16 >> That was an absolute honor and a >> That was an absolute honor and a pleasure, Mike. Really, really enjoyed pleasure, Mike. Really, really enjoyed pleasure, Mike. Really, really enjoyed the conversation and hope your viewers the conversation and hope your viewers the conversation and hope your viewers and listeners get something out of this. and listeners get something out of this. and listeners get something out of this. So, so thank you and it was an honor and So, so thank you and it was an honor and So, so thank you and it was an honor and thanks for your time. thanks for your time. thanks for your time. >> Appreciate it. Thank you, Chris.